I think most people would be absolutely shocked to learn that their toothpaste is likely loaded with toxic compounds linked to asthma, liver, kidney, and thyroid problems and even cancer. Worse yet, the vast majority of dentists endorse these brands as the “best solution” when, in fact, this is far from the case.

In Part I of this report, I discussed the serious health risks of fluoride, the leading decay-preventive ingredient added to many commercial brands of toothpastes. In Part II of this Special Report, I’m going to tell you how to spot the toxic chemicals used in most commercial brands, and how to make your own natural, safe and effective toothpaste.

What’s In Your Tube?

Advertisements by today’s toothpaste manufacturers seem to promise us everything except a visit from the tooth fairy. Such ads suggest that certain brands of toothpaste can safely whiten teeth, reduce sensitivity to brushing, control tartar, eliminate plaque, prevent cavities, cure gingivitis, and freshen our breath. Yet the lack of scientific proof for most advertising claims of safety and efficacy makes them more of a fairy tale than a reality. And sadly, the government does nothing to limit the false marketing claims of these bogus and dangerous products.

The shocking reality is that many toothpaste ingredients are sourced overseas from manufacturers who use toxic materials and questionable methods of production. Just as troubling, there is no law or regulation that compels them to reveal all of the potentially toxic compounds in their products. Take a look at the tubes of toothpaste in your house. Chances are they won’t mention the country they’re made in and won’t list the ingredients. Strange huh? Consumer products like toys must be labeled with their country of origin. All food products must be clearly list ingredients. What about toothpaste? Welcome to the world of lobbyists and their effect on our policy makers.

Let’s take a closer look at the known chemicals currently used in many popular brands of toothpaste:

4. Artificial Dyes

Artificial dyes are used to impart color to the final toothpaste product, especially in children’s version to make the colorful and appealing. Commonly used dyes and colorants are FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Yellow #10 and titanium dioxide. The FDA has issued a public alert regarding several reports of toxicity, including death, temporally associated with the use of FD&C Blue No. 1. The World Health Organization has questioned the safety of FD&C Yellow #10. The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that FD&C Blue #1 causes cancer in rats. Other studies have found this dye to be an eye and skin irritant and allergen. Titanium dioxide, a white-colored pigment, can cause neurological diseases and impaired lung function in laboratory animals. After use, it can enter municipal sewage systems, lakes, and agricultural land, further disrupting the health of fauna and flora.

5. Hydrated Silica

Hydrated silica is a natural compound derived from quartz, sand, and flint and is used as an abrasive whitener in many whitening toothpastes. Repeated use can erode tooth enamel and prevent tooth surfaces from re-mineralizing. While silica can effectively remove tartar and help teeth appear whiter, it can potentially harm teeth by altering the acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue, according to Dr. Warren Scherer, Associate Professor of Restorative and Prosthodontic Sciences New York University College of Dentistry.

7. Potassium Nitrate/Oxalate

Potassium nitrate, one of several chemicals used in tooth-desensitizing toothpastes, blocks the transmissions of nerve cells within the teeth and gums. Potassium nitrate is also a component of gunpowder. The compound has been shown to reduce dentin permeability and promote dentinal tubule occlusion—two conditions that can make teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Researchers are concerned about the potential toxic interaction between potassium salts and the antibacterial compound, triclosan, which is added to many brands of commercial toothpaste.

8. Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol, an active ingredient in antifreeze, acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste. Considered to be a relatively safe substance by some health organizations, ingestion of the compound has nevertheless been associated with serious adverse effects. In one case, propylene glycol intoxication in a child caused central nervous system depression and a severe metabolic acidosis. Propylene glycol can be rapidly absorbed through the skin, with prolonged contact leading to brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities.

9. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

The detergent-of-choice for most of today’s toothpaste manufacturers is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is also used as a flea and tick repellent. Some toothpaste manufacturers use a related compound, sodium laureth sulfate, for its superior foaming ability. I wouldn’t let my family use any toothpaste that contains either form of this potentially toxic detergent.

SLS, which gets into the environment after use, is directly toxic to fish and other aquatic animals and accumulates in the bodies of the fish we eat. SLS, if applied directly, can irritate the eyes and the skin. According to the American College of Toxicology, the human body can retain SLS for up to five days as it accumulates in such organs as the brain, heart and liver. When combined with other chemicals added to toothpaste (such as TEA), SLS can react with other ingredients in toothpaste to create nitrosamines, a class of powerful carcinogens.

10. Triclosan

The worse of them all, triclosan is an antibacterial compound used in many brands of commercial toothpaste. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified triclosan as a pesticide, warning that it poses a risk to human health and to the environment. Chemically, triclosan belongs to a class of compounds (chlorophenols) suspected of suppressing immune system function and causing cancer in humans. Triclosan can react with chlorine in tap water to form the carcinogen, chloroform. Triclosan, which accumulates in fat cells each time you brush your teeth, is a known hormone disruptor; recent research suggests that triclosan could disrupt thyroid hormone levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that triclosan is present in the urine of 75% of the U.S. population. Scientists at Tufts University have issued a consumer alert report regarding the possibility of triclosan usage and antibiotic resistance.

How To Make Your Own Healthy and Natural Toothpaste

Here is a recipe you can use to make inexpensive, safe, and effective toothpaste free of the toxic compounds found in most commercial brands. I guarantee that it is just as effective, perhaps even more effective than traditional store brand toothpastes. Plus it’s more economical and you know where it’s made – your house!

Combine ingredients in a cup and mix thoroughly with a toothbrush or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. Make sure the paste isn’t too thin to adhere to your toothbrush. Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would commercial toothpaste.

Not into making your own toothpaste? Not to worry. The following natural toothpaste products are free of the harmful chemicals found in traditional toothpaste. As far as price and effectiveness go, my favorite brand is JASON, which offers several varieties of toothpaste. You should be able to find most of these products at your local natural foods market, or click on the links below to find them on Amazon.

JASON Sea Fresh Toothpaste is another all natural whitening toothpaste that whitens teeth with bamboo, calcium carbonate and silica. It contains essential oil of spearmint to freshen breath, as well as other essential oils that promote oral health and sea-sourced minerals that help to nourish and strengthen enamel.

JASON Oral Comfort with CoQ10 is an all natural toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It provides natural protection to reduce the sensitivity of teeth to cold, heat, acids, sweets or direct contact and promotes whiter, brighter teeth without chemicals or harsh abrasives. CoQ10 helps to heal and protect gums, while natural berry and mint flavors freshen breath and blast halitosis away

Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste in Creme de Peppermint is available on Amazon.com in 6-packs of 6-ounce tubes, which allows you to save a bit on the regular retail price. It contains baking soda and is flavored with exhilarating peppermint oil for deliciously fresh breath and a healthy-feeling mouth.

BabyGanics Say Ahh Flouride Free Toothpaste in Strawberry is a dye-free clear gel that helps remove plaque and promotes good oral health. It’s formulated with entirely natural based ingredients so that it’s safe to swallow.

Joshua Corn – Editor-in-Chief Josh is a health freedom advocate and veteran of the natural health industry. He has been actively involved in the natural health movement for over 15 years, and has been dedicated to the promotion of health, vitality, longevity and natural living throughout his career. Josh has successfully overcome several personal health challenges through natural means, and believes that sharing information can empower people to take control of their health so they can solve their own problems and live life to its fullest potential. Josh is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Live in the Now. Additionally he serves as CEO of Stop Aging Now, a company that has been formulating premium dietary supplements since 1995. Josh is currently working on his first book about natural health, and is gearing up to launch the Live in the Now radio show. In addition to his work in the natural health field, Josh is an avid outdoorsman, animal lover and enjoys “living in the now” with his wife and two sons.

Leave a Comment Below

12 responses to “Consumer Alert: Ingredient the FDA Just Banned From Soap Is Still in Your Toothpaste”

I very much endorse Weleda toothpastes and other Weleda products. Weleda is a Rudolf Steiner-inspired company located in Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, the United States and no doubt many other countries.

I want to say I am an Arbonne Consultant — but that is not the point of my experience here — I stopped using Flouride 15 years ago when I learned I had gum disease — despite my periodontist’s warnings that I must you flouride — I went ahead and my gums healed within weeks!! I then went on a search and I learned about the original toothpaste with no flouride, Weleda (love all their flavors made with herbs and flowers). Then I learned about Arbonne.com and they recently released a minty toothpaste. I get my products at a deep discount — their toothpaste is extremely expensive retail ($17) but with my wholesale discount I pick it up for 80% off along with other toxin free products. The difference for me between Weleda and Arbonne — both are great products — Arbonne pays me to use theirs. Either way…let go of your flouride!

P.S. Thank you, Mr. Corn, for featuring this great article on fluoride! Another truth revealed about how to protect ourselves against the harmful, artificial ingredients found in so many products most of us use every day. I look forward to reading your articles!

Have any of you tried OG Smile, which contains natural products that have no bleach or fluoride in it. It places in the Ganoderma with all natural antiseptic for a clean “organic” smile. This toothpaste with 100% Organic Ganoderma contains the fresh taste of mint developed for the special care of your teeth and gums. For more info on our products, please visit my website.

Have been using Tom’s Fluoride- Free now for over 4 years. It is an excellent dentifrice and my dentist is overwhelmed with the condition of my gums and my teeth as I have been free from any cavities for over 5 years. Would l highly recommend this product. Since kids tend to swallow toothpaste, I am trying to convince my kids to remove all fluoride products from their medicine cabinets.

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